news-engine

ST HELENS have appointed Australia boss Kevin Walters as their new head coach on a three-year contract. Formerly coach of Catalans Dragons, Queensland and Brisbane Broncos, Walters took charge of the Kangaroos last year and oversaw an Ashes series whitewash over England. Saints chairman Eamonn McManus described the appointment as “a major statement of ambition both by St Helens and by Super League.” Walters signed a contract extension in May to stay as Australia coach until 2028, but will now leave that role at the end of the year following this autumn’s World Cup on home soil. McManus added: “Kevin’s vast experience at both club and representative levels is self-evident. “His motivation to succeed with the task at hand was both clear and compelling to us, as shown by the major career sacrifices that he is making in Australia to join St Helens.” The vastly experienced 56-year-old began his first-grade head coaching career in Europe, although it was an unspectacular start. Leading a Catalans side who had just come third in 2008, Walters oversaw finishes of eighth and 14th in Super League, and quit with a year of his deal remaining. But having worked extensively as an assistant coach with Brisbane, Melbourne Storm, Newcastle Knights and Queensland, he was appointed Maroons chief ahead of the 2016 series. Walters won his first two series in charge, then lost the next two before stepping down ahead of the delayed 2020 campaign to take charge of the Broncos. Brisbane didn’t make the NRL finals in three of his four years there, but his spell is best remembered for the 2023 season, when they finished second then led 24-8 after an hour against Penrith Panthers only to suffer the biggest collapse in Grand Final history, losing 26-24. Last July he was appointed to the Australia job, succeeding former St Helens star Mal Meninga – just as did when taking the Queensland reins – and enjoying three straight victories in England in the autumn. When awarding a contract extension three months ago, Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys said the Kangroos players had given Walters “enormous praise as a coach and motivator”. He knows he will need those qualities to inspire Saints back into title contention as they currently face the prospect of missing out on the Super League play-offs for the first time. “I look forward to bringing my experiences as a coach and blending those learnings into the winning culture of St Helens,” said Walters. “For me, the foundation of success is creating the right environment where the players and staff enjoy coming to training and working hard for each other, as well as the Saints sponsors, fans and the wider community. “At the end of last year, I was in England for the Ashes series as the Kangaroos head coach and I witnessed first-hand how tough, physical and skilful the English players were. I look forward to being a part of Super League in 2027 with the Saints.” It’s a critical appointment for St Helens, who last won silverware when they lifted the World Club Challenge at the beginning of 2023, shortly after claiming a fourth Super League title in succession. Those four triumphs came under Australians in Justin Holbrook then Kristian Woolf, who are both now successful NRL head coaches with Newcastle Knights and the Dolphins respectively. Saints next turned to club playing legend and long-time assistant coach Paul Wellens, but world glory against Penrith was followed by league finishes of third, sixth and fifth. After deciding not to renew Wellens’ contract ahead of this season, Paul Rowley was signed from Salford Red Devils, but he left last month with a record of 15 wins and eight defeats. Eamon O’Carroll will remain in interim charge for the remainder of the season, hoping to carry the momentum of last Saturday’s win at Wakefield Trinity as they bid to close a four-point gap to the play-off positions with as many rounds remaining.